The Pistons (26-30) were able to gain control of their playoff destiny by winning five of seven games going into the NBA All-Star break — despite a lengthy swoon during the months of December and January.

Blake Griffin reacts towards his bench against the Knicks during the second half of the Pistons' 105-92 win Feb. 5, in New York.(Photo: Adam Hunger, Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports)

Tied for the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot with 26 games remaining and a favorable schedule, the players expressed cautious optimism that the good play will result in the franchise’s second playoff appearance since 2009.

"December and January were such weird months for us," Pistons All-Star Blake Griffin said after scoring 32 points.

"For us to be eighth going into the All-Star break is huge, but now we need to keep it going and not just be complacent with (eighth) or around eighth. It's time to move up."

After a 13-7 start, the Pistons could only manage eight wins between Dec. 2 and Jan. 29 to stand at 22-28.

But the team appears to be growing more comfortable under first-year coach Dwane Casey.

Since missing most of four games in the NBA’s concussion protocol, center Andre Drummond has been dominant.

He continued his strong play with 21 points, 17 rebounds and four steals against Boston.

Detroit Pistons forward Thon Maker (7) reacts to a foul being called against the Pistons during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Winslow Townson, Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

And Wednesday offered a reminder of another major Pistons weakness: Pistons not named Blake Griffin nor Reggie Jackson were a combined 6-for-26 from 3-point range. The Pistons are 28th in 3-point shooting percentage.

The team’s pursuit of a playoff spot continues Feb. 23 at Atlanta. It can reach that goal if the improvement continues.

Casey sounds off

Power forward Jon Leuer and swingman Svi Mykhailiuk were inactive — after Leuer and Glenn Robinson III were inactive in Monday night’s victory over the Washington Wizards.

The Pistons were caught short-handed with frontcourt depth when Maker had to leave the Wizards game temporarily to receive stitches to his upper lip after a shot to the mouth, which forced Casey to run up Griffin’s minutes.

League rules dictate 13 players can be active. The Pistons have 15 players on the roster.

Casey was clear how he feels about the rule.

“I think that’s one of the worst rules in our league,” Casey said before the game. “From a coaching standpoint, telling two men, that you’re paying under contract, that they can’t dress, it’s very difficult.

“If I’m the players’ union, I’d be upset about that. I understand why the league is doing it, but it’s a very difficult thing because you never know when you need those guys. It’s one of our rules I wish we could change from a coaching standpoint.”